Mining machine



March 13,1928. 1,662,797

C; F. OSGOOD MINING MACHINE Filed Aug. 31-. 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet. 1

Patented Mar. 13, 1928.

umrao sTATJ i meant CHARII'ES OSGOODy'OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPI-IIRE,ASSIGNOR TO SULLIVAN MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MACHINE.

.App1icationfi1ed=August 31, 1925. Serial No. 53,726. i

This invention relates-to mining machines and ,more particularlyto'mining machines of'the continuous cutter type adapted to be fedlaterally relative to the face of the coal to cut a substantiallyhorizontaLkerf' thereunder. J

Theprimary object :of this invention is to provide an improved miningmachine having improved feedingmeans therefor whereby the. machine maybe moved about the mine at a. fast speed, sumped into the coal at aslower or intermediate speed, and fed laterally relative to :the face ofthe coal at a slow or cutting speed. Still another object of myinvention is .to provide improved means for a mining machine ofextremely compact structure whereby three distinct feedingspeeds maybeobtained. These and otherobjects ofmy invention will, however,subsequently more fully'appear.

A, preferred embodiment Of'tlllS invention may comprise a main frameslidable on its bottom on the mine 'bottom and having n'iounted thereonarigid forwardly projecting cutter chain carrying cutter bar. The machinemaybe propelled both during cutting and at other times preferably by oneor more of a pair of flexiblefeeding members secured at their free endsatthe advancing and receding sides of the machine, respectively, andwith which a plurality ofrotatable feed-operating memberscooperateineffecting feeding v:and controlling movement of the machine. A singlemotor preferably supplies power both to the cutting and feedingmechanisms and ismounted on the main frame at; the forward-end of thelatter in a position overlying the rear endzofthe cutter bar. Power maybe transmitted from the motor-to the cutting and feedingmechanisms bymeans including a motor pinion on the rear end of the armature shaft andimproved variable speed transmission mechanism. Preferably thetransmission mechanism comprises a plurality of coaxial differentialmechanism disposed on a transverse axis and having driving andcontrolling elements associated therewith. This improved transmissionmechanism may effect winding in of the flexible feeding members at aplurality of different speeds.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustrationone form which my invention mayassume in practice.

In these draw-ings,- I

stantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view taken-substantially on line 4-4 ofFig. 3.

Referring to the drawings, 1 designates generally a mining machine ofthe continuous cutter flexibly fed room and pillar type having amachineframe 2 slidable on its bottom 3 on the mine bottom. The frame 2comprises a bed section 4, a motor section 5, and a feed and cuttingmechanism carrying section 6, the sectlons 5 and 6 being mounted uponthe bed section 4 and rigidly secured to the latter in any approvedmanner.

Rigidly secured within the bed section 4 and projecting, forwardly fromi the machine frame is a cutter bar 7 about'theouter edge of which acutter bitcarrying cutter chain 8 is ad-apted to be circulated. Asshown, the motor section 5 is carried at the forward end of the machineframe. and overlies the rear end of the cutter bar 7. As illustrated,

housed within the motor section 5 is a motor 9, herein preferably of thereversible electric type, having a longitudinally ex-.

tending horizontal armature shaft 10. Se-

cured, as by a spline and screw connection 11, to the rear end of thearmature shaft 10 is a spur motor pinion 12 having its reduced. hubportion journaled within ball bearings 13 suitably carried within the machine frame 2.

, In specifically describing the improved cutter chain actuatingmechanism it will be noted that meshed with the motor pinion 12 is aspurgear 13 rigidly secured to a horizontal longitudinally extendingshaft 14 disposed below and extendingrearwardly away from the armatureshaft 10. The shaft 14 is journaled within ball bearings 15 carriedwithin a bracket 16 suitably secured to the machine frame. Carried onthe rear end of the shaft 14 is a bevel pinion 17 which meshes with alarge bevel gear 18 splined as at 19 to avertically disposedshaftQO'jourthe cutter chain 8 in a usual manner.

naled as at 21 within the bed section 4. Suitably secured to the lowerend of the shaft is a spur pinion 22 which meshes with a large spur gear23 secured in any approved manner to a sprocket 24 which rotates on avertical axis and which cooperates to drive Suitable clutch mechanism,not shown, of any well known form is provided between the gear 23 andthe sprocket 24. i

In specifically describing the improved feeding mechanism it will beobserved that disposedcoaxially with the shaft 20 and splined as at 25to the bevel gear 18 is a shaft 26 journaled at its upper end in ballbearings 27 suitably carried by the machine frame 2. Furthermore,-s1:)lined to the lower end of the shaft 26 is a spur gear 28which meshes at opposite sides thereof with spur gears 29 and 30 todrive the same in opposite directions. The gears 29 and 30 are suit-ablyrigidly secured to the lower ends of shafts 31 and 32, respectively, andthese shafts are suitably journaled in bearings 33 and 34 carried by themachine frame 2. As illustrated, rigid with and at the upper end of theshaft 31 is a spur gear 35 which drives, through an intermediate gear36, a spur 37 loosely journaled on the shaft 26 above the gear 28.Furthermore, loosely journaled on the shaft 26 intermediate its ends isa worm 38 held in position by ra dially expansible split rings 38 whilesplined to the shafts 31 and 32, respectively, are

worms 39 and 40. As illustrated, the worm 38 is adapted to beselectively driven at dif ferent speeds in opposite directions from thegears 28 and 37,respectively, by means of clutch mechanism includingclutch members 40 and 41 splined to the hubs of the gears 28 and 37,respectively, and these clutch members are provided with clutch i isjournaled on a transversely disposed shaft 48 suitably journaled withinbearings 49 carried by the machine frame 2 while the clutch member 46"is secured to a trans-v versely disposed horizontal actuating shaft 50 journaled at'51 at its opposite ends on the sides of the machine frame.Secured to the end of the shaft 50 at the advancing side of the machineis an operating lever 52. From the foregoing description it will beevident that when the operator suitablymanipulates the lever 52 one orthe other of the gears 28 and 37 may be connected in operative drivingrelation with the worm 38. It is obvious that the ratio of the teeth onthe gears 35 an operating lever 87.

cent hubs of bevel gears 58 and 59. Furthermore, the worms 39 and 40 aremeshed with worm gears 60 and 61, respectively, arranged coaxially withthe worm gear 53 and the hubs of these gears 60 and 61 are splined at 62to the hubs of bevel gears 63 and 64, respectively, similar .to thegears 58 and 59. Meshing with the gears 58, 63 and 59, 64, respectively,are planetary bevel 'pinions 65 and 66 journaled on radially projectingstub shafts 67 supported by planet carrier members (SS-and 69. The hubsof these carrier members are splined at 70 to coaxially disposed shafts71, 72, respectively, the latter having their inner ends journaledwithin a bearing sleeve 73 carried within the hubs of the bevel gears 58and 59 while their Outer ends are journaled within sleeves 73 whichrotate in ball bearings 74 supported by a detachable cover plate 75forming a portion of the machine frame 2 It will herein be observed thatsplined at 76 to each of the shafts 71 and 72 is a clutch member 77which carries a series of clutch disks 78. The disks 78 are interleavedwith a series of clutch disks 79 carried by a clutch housing member 80carried by the sleeves 73 and also journaled on a bearing sleeve 81carried by the hub of the' member 77. As shown, journaled upon a bearingsleeve 82 carried by each. of the shafts 71, 72 is a clutch diskretaining and housing member 83 having a hub portion on which a clutchapplying member 84 is slid ably mounted, the latter having projectingfingers 84 which extend throughapertures formed in the retaining member83 into engagement with certain of the series of clutch disks 78, 79.Cooperating with the member 84 is a shipper member 85 secured to avertically disposed actuating shaft 86 jour- 'naled within the machineframe. Suitably secured to the upper end of the shaft 86 is Asillustrated, splined at 88 to the sleeves of the housing members 80 aredrums 89 and 90 suitably journaledupon the side plates 75. Cooperatingwith the drums 89 and 90, respectively, are flexible feeding members 91and 92 herein in the form of wire ropes or cables. Moreover it will beobserved that carried by the opposite sides of the forward end of themameme? that when the worms 38, 39, and 40 are si.-'

multaneously rotated in the same direction,

one feeding speed is obtained, While if the worms-'39 and 40 are rotatedand the worm 38 held stationary another feeding speed is obtained and ifthe worm 38 is rotated in anopposite direction from the worms 39 and 40a third feeding speedis obtained, the-rotationof the bevel gears-58,59'when driven by the worm 38 in opposite directions adding to orsubtracting from the speed of rotation of the planet carriers 68 and 69.It will be understood that the speeds obtainable may be widely varied bysuitable alterations indriving gearing and worm inclinations', and theangular speeds of the feed operating members willbc equal to onehalf thespeed of'their respectivebevel gears '63 or 64, plus or minus one-haltthe speed of their respective bevel gears 58 01:59, it being of courseevident that the latter speed. may

be equal to zero when the gears 58 and 59 are stationary and that theplusis used when the bevels 58'and 59 rotate in the same direction astheir respective gears 63 and 64.

In the operation of-, myimproved mining machine, it will'be noted thatwhen the ma: chine has been transported to theroom on its transporttruck and unloaded therefrom, one or the other of the cables 91, SQTm-aybe extended to a point adjacent the right hand rib of the=coal andanchored by a: suitable roof jack or take up device. The clutch teeth 42of the Clutch: member 40* are then connected to the clutch teeth 44foru'iedzouthe worm 38; rotating the latter atits fast speed inanopposite direction from. the rotatioirof the worms 39' and 40, andconsequeutly the worm gears 53, 60 and 61' and the bevel gears 58, 59,63, and 64 are rotated together at: their respective speeds in the samedirection, causing the planetary carriers to be rotated" with the bevelgears and rotating the shafts 71, 72 at a relatively: high speed. Thedesired feed drum 89, is then connected in operative driving relationwith the driving shaft by means of the clutches 78,79 and thedesired/cable wound in; and

the machine fedi toward the right hand" rib at a fast or moving speed.Vhen the cutter bar" assumes an appropriate position adjacent the' faceof the coal the feed cable 91 is extended forwardly around the guidesheave 93 at the advancing side of the machine and then: laterally tothe left: hand. rib

ofthe coal, the free end: of. the cablebeing anchored in. position-by asuitableiroof' jack or a take up. device. The clutch members 40 and 4 1are then thrown into. their neutral position, it' being understood thatthe worm 38 is self-locking with the worm; gear 53; thus preventingrotation. of the, worm gear and'the bevel gears 58 and;- 59 atnthattime. As the worms 39 and 40 are"con-. stantly. driven, the Worm. gears60 and 61 and the bevel gears 63 and 64 are: rotated, thus causing theplanetary:pinions65 and 6.6 to react on the'stationary bevel gears58and59, respectively, consequently causing; the planetary carriers 68, 69 todrive the shafts 7'1 and 72 at anintermediate speed. The friction clutchcontrollingthe drumz- 90' is then applied and: the machine sumped intothe coal, the friction clutch controlling; the drum 89 maintaining adesired, controlling tension on the cable 911 at that: time. The clutchteeth 43.v are then thrown into engage.- ment' with the clutch teeth 45formed on the worm;38 causing the latter to. be rotated at a slowerspeed: and inthe same direction as the rotation of the worms 39 and 40..The bevel gears 58 and 59 are then rotated in the opposite direction.'fromthe rotation of' the bevel. gears 63 and 64:, thus subtracting:from the speed of the planet carriers 68, causing theshafts 71,72. to bedriven at a slow speed. drum .89 is then connected, causing the latterto 'wind in the cable 91% at a. slow or cutting speed and the machine isstraightened up and fed laterally across the face, the .drum 90 actingon the receding cable 92. maintaining a desired controlling: tension.thereon, thus preventing the bar from being swung outwardly from thekerf.v Itxwill herein also be noted" that by suitable operation of theclutches 78, 79 controlling the drums 89 and; 90 the angle of themachine relative .to the face of the coal may be, controlled at willlOther operations oft-my improved mining machine will: be clearly;apparent to. those skilled in the art. a

While I have in this application specifically'described oneform which myinvention may assume in practice, it will be understood thatv this formof the same is shown for purposes of illustration and that the inventionmay be modified and; embodied in various other forms without departingfrom its spirit or the scope-of the/appended claims. I i 1 VVhat-I claimasnew and dGSlIGiOrSQCHIO by'Letters Patent is:

1.. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by saidmotor including coaxial elements 'rotatingon transversely extending,horizontal axcs,fplanet meanscoopcrating with said elements, andvertical worms opcratlvely I connected to said coaxia elements;respectively... 1

The clutch 78, 79 controlling; the

lilll 2. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven bysaid motor include ing coaxial elements rotating on transverselyextendinghorizontal axes, planet means cooperating with said elements,and vertical worms rotatingoir axes lying in the same transverselyextending plane operatively connected to said coaxial elements respectively.

3. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanisi'n driven by saidmotor includ' .ing coaxialvclements rotating ontransversely extendinghorizontal axes, planet means cooperating with said elements, verticalworms operatively connected to said coaxial elements,and means forrotating one of said worms in opposite directions.

4. In amining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven. by saidmotor including coaxial elements rotating on transversely extending.horizontal axes, planet means cooperat-ing'with said elements, verticalworms operatively connected to said coaxial elements,-and means forrotating one of said wormsin opposite directions at different speeds.

5. In a n'iiningmachine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by saidmotor including coaxial elements rotating on trans- .versely extendinghorizontal axes, planet means cooperating w th said elements, verticalWorms operatively connected to said coaxial elements, and means forrotating one of said Worms continuously and the other at will. i i

6. In a mining machine, a -motor, and feeding mechanism driven by saidmotor including coaxial elements rotating on trans-' versel-y extendinghorizontal axes, planet .means co-operating with said elements, vertical worms operatively connected to said J coaxial elements, and meansfor rotating one of said worms continuously and the other at will ineither direction.

7. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by saidmotor including like coaxial elements rotating on transversely extendinghorizontal axes, planet meanscooperating with said elements,and verticalWOIHlS operatively connected to said coaxial elements respectively.

S. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by saidmotor including like coaxial elements rotating on transversely extendinghorizontal axes, planet 'means cooperating with said elements, and

vertical Worms rotating on axes lying in the same transversely extendingplane opera tively connected to said coaxial elements respectively.

t). In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by saidmotor includ ing like coaxial elements rotating on transverselyextending horizontal axes, planet means cooperating with said elements,verti- 'ol said worms in opposite directions at different speeds it i11. In a mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by saidmotor including like coaxial elements rotating on transversely extendinghorizontal axes, planet means cooperating with said elements, verticalworms operatively connected to said coaxial elements, and means forrotating one of said worms continuously and the other at a will. r a

'12. In a mining machine, a motor, and

feeding mechanism driven by said. motor ineluding like coaxial elementsrotating on transversely extending horizontal faxes, planet meanscooperatingwith said elements, vertical worms operatively connected tosaid coaxial elements, and means for rotating one 'of said wormscontinuously and the other at will in either direction 13. In a mmmgmachine, feed ng mechanism including a plurality of pairs of co axialelement-s rotating on horizontal transversely extending axes,planetmeans coopcrating with the elements of each pair, and means forrotating saidcoaxial elements including worms rotating on vertical axes,one of said worms driving an element of each pair. 2 i, .7 a

14. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of co axial elements rotating on horizontal transversely extendingaxes, planet means coopcrating with the elementsof each pair," and meansfor rotating sald coaxlal elements 111- cludmg worms rotating: onvertical axes lying in the same transverse plane, one ofsaid wormsdriving an element of eachpairhp 15. In a mining 'machlne, feedingmechanism including a plurality of pairs of coaxial elements rotating onhorizontal transversely extending axes, planet means cooperating withthe elements of each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elementsincluding three worms rotating on vertical axes, the centrallwormdriving an element of each pair, and means for effecting rotationotsaid'worms including means for rotatingsaid last mentioned worm inrections. V a

16. In a mining machine, feeding mechanisms including a plurality ofpairsot. coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transversely extendingaxes, planet means cooperating With'the elements of each-pair,

opposite dimean? andmeans for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, theicentral worm driving .anelement of each pair, and means for eifect'ing rotationof said wormsincluding neans for rotating said .lastmentioned worm atrdifierentspeeds.

v17. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality of,pairsof c0- axial elements rotating on horizontal transverselyextending axes,iplanet means cooperating with the elements ofeach pair,and

means for rotating said coaxial elements in eluding three worms rotating.on vertical axes, vthe central worm driving an element ofeachpair, andmeans for effecting rotation of said worms including means for rotatingsaid .last mentioned worm 'at difierent speeds in opposite directions.

18. In a vmining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transversely extendingaxes, planet :means cooperating with the elements of each pair, andmeans for rotating said coaxial elements including three worms rotatingon vertical axes, the central-Worm driving an element of-each pair, andmeans for effecting rotation of said worms including means for rotatingsaid last mentioned worm in opposite.

directions or allowing it to remain stationary. y

.119. In .a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of coaxial-elements rotating on horizontal transversely extendingaxes, planet means cooperajting with the elements of each pain-and meansfor rotating said'coaxial-elements including three Worms rotating vonvertical axes, the central worm" driving an element of each :pair, andmeans for effecting rota tion of-said wormsincluding meansfli'orrotating said last'mentioned worm at different speeds or allowing it toremain stationary.

.20. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including :a plurality ofpairsof coaxial elements rotating on horizontal .transverselv extendingaxes, planet meanscooperating with the elements of each -pa1r, and meansfor rotating said coaxial elements including three worms rotating onvert1cal:axes, the central worm driving an element of each pair, andimeans for efi'ecting rotation oi said Worms including means forrotating said last mentioned worm-at difierent speeds inoppositedirections or allowing it to remain stationary.

21. Ina mining machine, feedingmechzn nism including aplurality of pairsof coaxial elements rotatmgon' horlzontal transversely extending .axes,planet tmeans .coopcrating with the elements of .each pair,randmeans forrotating saidcoaxialelements ineluding three worms rotating on verticaltaxes, the centPal worm driving an element of :each ,pair, and means forreflecting rota.- tioniofcsaid Worms including means'for rotating saidflas'tmen'tioned Worm in opposite directio'nsvand said other wormscontinuously in the same direction. I

22. In a miningmachine, [feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of coaxialeleme nts rotating on horizontal transversely extendingaxes, planet means cooperating with the elements o'i' each pain-andmeans :for rotating said coaxial elements including three Worms rotatingon Vertical axes, the central Worm drivin an element of each pair, and:means for e'fi ecting rotation of'said worms including means forrotating said laSf/YIIIQIItIOIIBd worm .at [different speeds and saidother Worms continuously in the same direction.

:23. Inia mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of coaxial elements rotating on horizontal trans versely extendingaxes, planet means cooperating with the elements of each pair, and

means for rotating said coaxial elements 'ineluding three worms rotatingon vertical axes, the central Worm drivin an element or each pair,.andmeans for e ectingrotation or said worms including means for roatingwith the elements of each pair, and

means for rotating said coaxial elements includin three Worms rotatingon vertical axes, t e central worm drlving anelement of each pair, and,means for eflecting rota-v tion of said Worms including means forrotating said lastmentioned worm in opposlte directions or allowing 1tto remain stationaryand'sa'id other worms continuously in the :samedirection.

.25, In va mining machine, feeding mechanism including .a plurality ofpairs of coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transversely extendingvaxes, planet means cooperating with the elements of each pair, andmeans for rotating said coaxial elements including :three worms rotatingon vertical axes, the; central worm driving an element :of each pan, andmeans for effecting .ro-

tation of said worms including means for rotating said last mentionedwormat .diiierent speeds or allowing it .to remain stationary and saidother worms continuously in the same direction.

26. In "a mining @machine, .feeding .mecha- .nism including it'llplurality of pairs of :coaxial elements rotating Lon horizontaltransversely extendingaxes, ,planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and

means for rotating said coaxial elements including three Worms rotatingon vertical tion of said Worms including means tor ro-.

tating said last mentioned Worm atdifferent speeds in oppositedirections or allowing it to remain stationary and said other wormscontinuously in the same direction. 7

27. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet means cooperating With the elements of each pair,and means for rotating said coaxial elements including Worms rotating onvertical axes, one of said worms driving an element of each pair.

' 28. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet means cooperating With the elements of each pair,and means for rotating said coaxial elements including Worms rotating onvertical axes lying in the same transverse plane, one

of said Worms driving an element of each pair.

29. In a mining machine, feeding mecha nism including a plurality ofpairs of like coaxial elements rotating on" horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet means cooperating with the elements of each'pair,and means for rotating said coaxial ele- ,ments including three Wormsrotating on vertical axes, the central Worm drivingfan elementof eachpair, and means for effecting rotation of said Worms including means forrotating said last mentioned Worm in opposite directions;

30. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet means cooperating With theelements' ofeach pair,and means for rotating'said coaxial elements including three Wormsrotating on vertical axes, the central Worm driving an element of eachpair, and means for effecting rotation of said vorrns including meansfor retating said last mentioned worm at different speeds. a I a 31. Ina miningmachine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of likecoaxial elements rotating on horizontal transversely extending axes,planet means cooperating With the elements of each pair, andmeans' forrotating said coaxial ele ments including three Worms rotating onvertical axes, the central Worm driving an element of each pair, andmeansfor effecting rotation vof said Worms including meansfor rotatingsaid last mentioned Worm at different speeds in opposite directions.

32. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs or like to:

axial elements rotating on horizontal transversely extending axes,planet means cooper-- ating with theelements of each pair, and

means for rotating said coaxial elements in cludin three Worms rotating011 vertical axes, t e central Worm driving an element" of each pair,and means for effecting rotation of said Worms includingmeans forrotating said last mentioned Worm in opposite directions or allowing itto remain stationary. 33. In a mining machine, feeding mechanismincluding a plurality of pairs of like.

coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transversely extending axes,planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means forrotating said coaxial elements including three Worms rotating onvertical axes, the central Worm driving an elementof each pair, andmeans forefi'ecting rotation of SZLld WO111'lS including means forrotating said last mentionedworm at different speeds or allowing it toremain stationary.

8 In amining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality of pairsof like coaxial elements rotating on"horizontal 35; In a mining machine,feeding mocha nism including a plurality of pairs of like coaxlalelements rotating on horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet meanscooperating with the elements ofeach' pair,

and means for rotating said coaxial elements including three wormsrotating on vertical axes, the central Worm drivingan element of eachpair, and means for effecting rotation of said Worms'including means forrotating said last mentioned Worm in opposite directions and said otherwormscontinuously in the same direction.

36. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including "a plurality ofpairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet means cooperating with the elements of each pair,and means for rotating said coaxial elements including three Wormsrotating on vertical axes, the central Worm driving an element of eachpair, and means for-effecting rotation of said worms including means forrotating said last mentioned Worm at different speeds and said otherworms continuously in the samedirection. i i i 37. In a mining machine,feeding mechanism including a plurality of pairs of like coaxialelements rotating on horizontalmeme? 7 transversely extending axes,planet means cooperating with the elements of each pair, and means forrotatingsaid coaxial elements including three worms rotating on verticalaxes, the central worm driving an element of each pair, and means foreffecting rotation of said Worms including .meansforrotating saidlastmentioned Worm at different speeds in opposite directions "andsaidother orms continuously in the same direction.

38. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet means coope 'ating With'the elements of eachpair, and means for rotating said coaxial'elements including three Wormsrotating on vertical axes, the'central worm driving an element'of eachpair, and means for effecting-rotation otsaid Worms including means forrotating said last mentioned avorm in opposite directions or allowing itto remain stationary and said other worms continuously in the samedirection. f

'39. In a mining machine,feeding mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of like coaxial elements rotating on? horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet means cooperating With the elements of each pair,and means for rotating said coaxial elements including three -WOII1'1Srotating-on vertical axes, the central Worm driving an element of eachpair, and means for effecting rotation of said worms including means forrotating said last mentioned Worm at different speeds or allowing it toremain stationary and said other Worms continuously in thesame-direction.

40. In a mining machine, feeding'mechanism including a plurality ofpairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transverselyextending axes, planet means cooperatingwith the elements of each pair,

and means for rotating said coaxial elements I including three Wormsrotating on vertical axes, the central Worm driving an element of eachpair, and'means 'for efiecting rotation of said Worms including meansfor rotating said last mentioned worm at dif fer'ent speeds inoppositedirections or allow- 'ing it to remain stationary andsaid other Wormscontinuously in the same direction.

41. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsofeach pair, and'means for rotating said coaxial elements includingworms rotating on vertical axes, one of said worms driving an element ofeach pair. 3

' 42..In-a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial'elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planetvertical axes, the central Worm.drivifi ran means cooperating with the elements ofieach pair, and meansfor rotating said LCOB-Xilil elements including Worms rotating.onwrertical axes lying in the same transverse plane,

one of saidworms driving .an element each pair.

43. In a mining machine, feeding mecha-' nism including a plurality .ofcoaxial pairs oflike coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, vplanet means cooperatng with the elementsofeach pair, and means it'or rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating-son vertical axes, the central worm driving ranelement of each pair, and imeans/forefl'ecting rotation of said Wormsincluding aneans for rotating-said last mentioned worm in oppositedirections.

44. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a pluralityofcoaxial airs 01'' like coaxial elements EI'OttttiIlg on iiorizontaltransversely extendingaxes, :planet means cooperating with theelementslofieach pair, and means for rotating .saidcoaxial elementsincluding three Worms .rotatinguon 45. In a mining machine, feeding:mechai nism including a plurality of coaxial pairs of like coaxialelementsrotatingon horizontal transversely extending axes,- planet meanscooperating with the elements of each pair, andineans for rotating saidcoaxial elements including three worms rotating 3011 element of eachpair, and means :for esting rotation ofsaid worms includingmeans forrotatingsaid last mentioned worm at diflerent speeds in oppositedirections.

46. In a mining machine, .feedingkmec'hanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements .rotating on Ehorizontaltransversely extending axes, zplanet means cooperating'Witlrthe elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes,- the central "Worm driving .an

element'of each pair, and means for eflecting rotation of said Wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned :worm in. op-

positesdirections or allowing it '-to remain stationary. 1

47. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial :pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely. extendin axes, planet means cooperating with the el ementsofieach pair, and means for "rotating said coaxial elements including:three Worms rotating on vertical axes, the central Worm drivingnnelement of each pair, and :means for :effecting rotation of said wormsiinclu'dingrmeans rotation ofsaid worms including means for rotatingsaid last mentioned Worm at different speeds in opposite directions orallowing it to remain stationary.

49. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality. ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelementof each pair, and means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm in, oppositedirections and said other worms continuously in the same direction.

50. In a mining machine, feeding mecha nism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means-for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree Worms rotating on vertical axes, the central .worm driving anelement of each pair, and means for effect ing'rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotatingsaidrlast mentioned worm at different speedsand said other worms continuously in the same direction.

51. In a mining machine, feeding mecha nism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxialelements rotating on horn zontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, and means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at dif ferentspeeds in opposite directions and said other worms continuously in thesame direction. .i

52. In a mining machine, feeding mecha nism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of. each .pair, and means for effect ing rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentloned worm in opposlte directons or allowing it to remain stationary and said other Worms continuously in the same direction.

53. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm drivin anelement of each pair, and means for e ecting rotation of said wormsincluding means forrotating said'last mentioned Worn at different speedsor allowing it to remain stationary and said other worms continuously inthe same direction.

54. Ina mining machine, feeding inechanism includin a plurality ofcoaxial pairs-of like coaxial,elementsrotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree Worms rotatingon vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, and means for effect pair, andfeed operatingmemberscoaxial WVllll'l said coaxial elements.

56. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, means for rotating said coaxial elements including wormsrotating on vertical axes lying in the same transverse plane, one ofsaid worms driving an element of each pair,

and feed operating'memhers coaxial with said coaxialelements.

57 In a mining machine, feeding mecha nism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs 7 of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree Worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm in oppositedirections, and feed operating members coaxial with said coaxialelements.

58. Ina miningmachine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at. difierentspeeds, and feed operating members coaxial with said coaxial elements.

59. In a miningmachine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each-pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at differentspeeds in opposite directions, and feed operating members coaxial withsaid coaxial elements.

60. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree Worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, and means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned wormin oppositedirections or allowing it to remain stationary, and feed operatingmembers coaxial with said coaxial elements.

61. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincludingmeans for rotating said last mentioned worm at diiierent speedsor allowing it to remain stationary, and feed operating members coaxialwith said coaxial elements.

62. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driv ng anelement of each pair, means foreiiecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at diiierentspeeds in opposite directions or allowing it to remain stationary, andfeed operating members coaxial with said coaxial elements.

63. In a miningmachine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm in opposite directions and said other worms continuously in the same direction, and feedoperating members coaxial with said coaxial elements.

64. In a mining machine, feeding-mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on hori-' zontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at difierentspeeds and said other worms continu ously in the same direction, andfeed operating members coaxial with said coaxial ele: ments.

r 65. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of eachpair, means for eifecting rotation of said, wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at diiierentspeeds in opposite directions and said other worms continuously in thesame direction, and feed operating members coaxial with said coaxialelements. 7 I

66.. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including aplurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizon taltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, andmeans for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for eliecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm in oppositedirections or allowing it to-remain stationary and said other Wormscontinuously in the same axes, the central worm driving an element ofeach pair, means for effecting rotation of said Worms including meansfor rotating said last mentioned worm at different speeds or allowing itto remain stationary and said other worms continuously in the samedirection, and feed operating members coaxial With said coaxialelements.

68. In a mining machine, feeding mechas nism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizon taltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating withthe elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree Worms rotating on Vertical axes, the central Worm driving anelement of each pair, meansfor effecting rotation of said Wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at differentspeeds in opposite directions or allowing it to remain stationary andsaid other Worms continuously in the' same direction, and feed operatingmembers coaxial with said coaxial elements. 9

69. In a mining machine, feeding mechanismincluding a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizon taltransversely extendingcaxes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, means for rotating said coaxial elementsim eluding wormsrotating on vertical axes, one of said worms driving anelement of eachpair, feed operating members coaxial with said coaxialelements, andclutch means co axial therewith.

70. In a miningmachine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, means for rotating said coaxial elements in cluding Wormsrotating on vertical axes lying in the same t1'ansverse )lane, one ofsaid worms driving an element of each pair, feed operating memberscoaxial with said coaxial elements, and clutch means coaxial therewith.

71. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizon taltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperatingwith the elementsof each pair,

and means forrotating said coaxial'elements including threeworms'rotating on vertical axes, the central Worm driving an element ofeach pair, means for effecting rotation of said'worms including meansfor rotating said last mentioned worm in opposite directions, feedoperating members coaxial with said coaxial elements, and clutch means00- axial therewith.

72. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltrai'isverseiy extending axes, planet meanscooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elementsincludingthree Worms rotatingon vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for effecting r0 tation of said wormsincluding means for rotatin said last mentioned worm at different'speeds, feed operating members coaxial each pair, means for effectingrotation of,

said worms including means for rotating said last mentioned worm atdifferent-speeds in'opposite directions, feed operating members coaxialwith said coaxial elements, and clutch means coaxial therewith.

' T ll In a mining machine, feeding mechanism includinga plurality ofcoaxial pairs oflike coaxial elements rotating on horizontal tjransvesclyextendin'g axes, planet means cooperatingwith the elementsof eachpair, and'means for rotating said coaxial elements intrluding three'worins rotating'on vertical axes, the centralworm driving an element ofeach pair, means for effecting rotation of said worms including meansfor rotating said lastmentioned worm in opposite directions (in-allowingit to remain" stationary, feedoperatingmembers coaxial with said 00-axial elements, andclutch means coaxial therewith. i i

""75. Ina mmingma'chine, feeding mechanism including a pluralityo'f-coaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes,'planetmeans COOPGIiIlRlngWVltli theelements of each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elementsincluding three 'worms rotating on vertical axes, the central wormdriving an element'of each pair, means for effecting rotation 'of saidworms includ ng means for rotating said last mentioned worm at differentspeeds or allowing it to reinaiirstationary, feed operatlnginemherscoaxial with said coaxialelements, and clutch means coaxial there--with. I I r 76. In a mining machine, feeding mechah saidcoaxialelements, and clutch means nism'includinga plurality of coaxial pairs oflike coaxial elements rotating on horizontal transverselyextendmgaxes,planetmeans cooperating with the elements of each pair, f and means forrotating said coaxial elements in opposite directions or allowing it tore main stationary, feed operating members coax al with said coaxialelements, and clutch means coaxial therewith.

77 In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating'said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, thecentral worm driving'anelement of 'each pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotatmg said last mentioned worm in oppositedirections and said other worms contmuously m the same d1rect1on,-feedoperating members coaxial with said coaxial elements, and

clutch means coaxial therewith.

78. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on hor1zontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof'each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating'on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for eflecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at differentspeeds and said other worms continuously in the same direction, feedoperating members coaxial with. said coaxial elements, and clutch meanscoaxial therewith.

79. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm at differentspeeds in opposite directions and said other'worms continuously in thesame direction, feed operating members coaxial with said coaxialelements, and clutch means coaxial therewith.

80. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial'elements includingthree-worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for effecting rotation of said wormsincluding means for rotating said last mentioned worm inopposlte'directions or allowingit to remain stationaryand said otherworms continuously in the same direction, feed operating members.coaxial with said coaxial elements, and clutch means coaxial therewith.

81. In a mining machine, feeding mecha nism including a'plurality ofcoaxial pairs I of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating wlth the elementsof'each pair,

and means for rotating said coaxial elements including three wormsrotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving an element of eachpair, means for effecting rotation of said worms including means forrotating said last mentioned worm'at differentspeeds or allowing it toremainstationary and said other worms continuously in the same direction, feed operating members coaxial with said coaxial elements, andclutch means coaxial therewith.

82. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a plurality ofcoaxial pairs of like coaxial elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperating with the elementsof each pair, and means for rotating said coaxial elements includingthree worms rotating on vertical axes, the central worm driving anelement of each pair, means for eifecting r0- tation of said wormsincluding means for IO- tating said last mentioned worm at differentspeeds in opposite directions or allowing it to remain stationary andsaid other worms continuously in the same direction, feed operatingmembers coaxial with said-coaxial elements, and clutch means coaxialtherewith. a r

83. In a mining machine, a motor, and

feeding mechanism driven by said motor including coaxial drivingelements rotating on horizontal transversely extending axes,

horizontal transversely extending axes, planet means cooperating Withsaid elements, and

means for effecting rotation of the central driving element in oppositedirections.

86; In a mlnlng machine, a motor, and feeding. mechanism driven by saidmotor including coaxial driving elements rotating on horizontaltransversely extending axes, planet means cooperatingwith said elements,means for eliecting rotation of the central diving element in oppositedirections and at different speeds, and means for effecting rotation ofthe end driving elements at a constant speed in the same direction.

'88..I n a mining machine, a motor, and feeding lneclianism'oriven bysaid motor adapted'to cooperate with flexible feeding means andincludingcoaxial driving elements and a plurality of planet mechanismsoperatively connected to said .driving elements, and means 'foreffecting rotation ofone of said driving elements at different speedsand in opposite directions.

89. Ina mining machine, a motor, and feeding mechanism driven by saidmotor adapted to cooperate With flexible feeding means and includingthree coaxial driving eiements,.a plurality ofplanetarymechanismsoperatively connected to said driving nisms operativelyconnectedtosaid driving elements, and means for effecting rotation oftivo of said driving-elements in the same direction and rotationof theother driving elements in a reverse direction and atadif tt'erent speed.7

In testimony CHARLES oseoon.

whereof I afiix my signature.

